Morning journal and courier., 1887-05-11
HUNTING OsTRICHEs.
Methods Employed by Arabs of the
 Desert to Catch the Big Birds.


 Desert to Catch the Big Birds.
 From the Boston Herald
 With the Arabs of the desert the chase and capture of the ostrich is the most at tractive and aristocratic of the many diver sions in which they indulge. The first thing attended to when hunt is contemplated is the preparation of the horses. They are en- tirely deprived of grass and fed on barley for seven or eight days before the intended hunt. They are allowed to drink only once day and that at sunset; at that time they are also washed. They take long exercises and great attention is paid to the arrange ment of the harness. The Arab says that after seven or eight days the stomach disap- pears, while the chest, the breast and croup remain in flesh The animal is then in con- dition to endure fatigue. This training IS called esteehaha." The harness used in this hunting is much lighter than that in ordina- " use, especially the saddle and the stirrups, and the martingale is dispensed with. The bridle also undergoes many changes, the mountings and earlaps being taken away, as they are considered too heavy. The bit and frontlet are made of rope, without throat band and the reins, though very strong, are extremely light.
 The time most favorable for ostrich hunt ing is when there is the greatest heat. The higher the temperature the less is the ostrich able to defend itself. The Arab says that when man stands upright and his shadow is only the length of his foot is the exact time to hunt Each horseman is accompa- nied by servant called 'szemmal." He is mounted on a camel carrying four goat skins filled with water and barley for the horse, wheat flour for the rider, some dates, a ket- tie in which to cook the food, and everything which can possibly be required for the re- pairing of the harness in case of accident. The horseman wears a linen vest and t1ous- CTS, and covers his neck and ears with 8 light material called "havuli, which is tied with strip of camel hide. His feet are pro- tected with sandals and his legs by light gal- ters called sstrabag." He has neither gun nor pistol, his only weapon being wild ol- i've or tamarind stick five or six feet long, with heavy knot at one end.
 Before starting off the hunters ascertain where large number of ostriches are to be found. They are generally met with in the places where there is great deal of grass and rain has recently fallen. The hunters commence their journey early in the morn ing, After one or two days travelling, when they have arrived near the desired spot and begin to see traces of their game, they halt and camp. After settling two intelligent slaves are sent out to reconnoltre They car ry a goat skin at their side and a little bread. They walk on until they find the ostrlches, which are generally on elevated places. As soon as the game is in view one lies down to | watch and the other returns to convey the | information to the camp. The blrds are found in troops, consisting often of as many | as sixty. The horsemen, guided by the | scout, travel cautiously toward the game.
 The nearer they approach the spot the great CT is their caution, and when they reach the | lost ridge which hides them from the os- | triches they dismount and creep forward to ascertain whether the birds are still there. | If such is the case a moderate quantity of water is given to the horses and each man